Driving BMW's Best Roadsters
BMW invited me to drive some of their iconic roadsters in preparation for the much anticipated launch of the New Z4 roadster set to launch early 2019
With all the hype surrounding the new 2019 BMW Z4 that is set to hit the roads in spring 2019 I was fortunate enough to be invited by BMW for a roadster heritage drive in celebration of the evolution of roadsters from over the years. A few of us attended the driving day including Becky Evans (Queen B), Emma Walsh and myself. There were some incredible cars available to not only drool over but to drive around the countryside of Henley upon Thames. The range of cars included a BMW 507 from the 1950’s with a current market value of £2m and only 253 of them being produced.
A style icon. The BMW 507
The 150bhp V8 roadster was also on Elvis Presley’s wish list as he owned one of these special cars. Becky and I took the 507 out for our first drive. Initial reactions after getting over the fear of driving a £2m limited edition iconic roadster through tight narrow country lanes had passed, I was presently surprised at how stylish and much attention the car received. Whilst the 507 wasn’t very quick for a V8 I very quickly appreciated the sound coming from under the bonnet. It had a unique V8 growl to it which naturally is enhanced when driving a roadster. As we drove through the streets, wind blowing through our hair (Becky’s more than mine!) we took the time to just enjoy driving a piece of history.
BMW Z1
The BMW 507 wasn’t the only car we drove. The BMW Z1 made us feel like we were back in the 80’s. The Z1 has such a refreshing door design, they drop up and down like a car window does as opposed to opening out like the conventional car door. They camo style Vader seats and that distinct BMW straight 6 engine tone that was so apparent in familiar models such as the E30 and E36. The Z1 was no slouch, with a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds. After a bit of spirited country road driving the BMW Z1 had definitely won me over. It was so much fun, so much character and you could hear the engine screaming from beneath the bonnet putting a very large smile on our faces. As for the appearance, with its very square lines, particularly at the rear of the car it definitely has that old school style to it. I loved driving this car!
Z8 Mr Bond?
The final car of choice was the BMW Z8. Made famous from its appearance in the 1999 James Bond film "The world is not enough". You can see why this car was selected for 007. Starting with the appearance. The silver paint contrasting so well with the red interior.
At the heart of the Z8 is a 400bhp V8 that really does have pack a punch. Select the sport button, foot to the floor and you really do feel all that power take you through the Rev range. You would expect the Z8 to sound great too, well you are not wrong. When we took the Z8 out for the final drive of the day I couldn’t help but feel we were in a very sophisticated car with bags of style. I almost felt under dressed being in it wearing jeans and a jumper! The BMW Z8 was a homage to the Iconic BMW 507 so BMW had to make it special. With a 4.9 litre engine fitted behind the front axle means the weight distribution is a perfect 50/50 split. it will reach 60mph in no more than 4.7 seconds making this car not only beautiful and sophisticated, but also fast!
New 2019 Z4
Other cars included the old Fraser Nash 328, the E89 Z4 and of course the new 2019 BMW Z4.
Whilst the new Z4 was not available to us to take out for a test drive, it was definitely available for us to take a closer look at all its intricate details, new styling such as different style kidney grills, new bonnet indentations which are a new design to the Z4 range. I was very impressed with the seats and the interior. The stitching on the tanned leather gave that luxury feel to the car.
BMW Designer Calvin drew this for us showing the lines and inspiration behind the Z4
The newly transformed rear of the car gives the car what seems a slightly wider stance. The controversial move away from the hard top roof on the New Z4 back to a soft top saves 60kg of weight and looks great with the roof down. However given the choice I would prefer to see it as a hard top. The folding roof takes just 10 seconds to fold and can be done up to speeds of 31 mph. I am very intrigued to find out how the new Z4 drives as we get closer to its launch in early 2019, the M40i version of the Z4 comes with the B58 straight-six engine with a turbocharger producing 336bhp which i am sure will bring a lot of smiles to its driver. Lots more information and content on the new Z4 to come as it becomes available to us.
Below is the video giving a mini overview of the interior and exterior of the new Z4 and also drives in the Z1 and Z8 with Becky and Emma.
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Comments (6)
The z8 was always a favourite for me, but think I may have been converted to the z1. The new z4 also looks incredible. Want one for sure
The Z1 is so so cool :) loved it!
Looked like an amazing experience, wish I was there!
Thanks dude! Yeah it was awesome!! Really enjoyed it!
I love the Z1 because of the doors. It's the only car in the world with doors like it.
Awesome cars with those nice classic looks. It must be fun to drive across the country.